The artist and the project
About Julian Merrow-Smith
A British painter living and working in Provence, and the artist behind Postcard from Provence since 2005.
Painting from life
Julian’s still lifes begin with the things close at hand: seasonal fruit and flowers, market finds, old pottery, silver and familiar studio objects. His landscapes follow the changing light and weather around his home in the Vaucluse and across the south of France.
The paintings are made directly from the subject. The small scale encourages concentration and immediacy, while larger works, portraits and commissions allow an idea to develop over a longer period.
His work is held in private collections around the world. Sixteen small oils collected by Ina Garten can be seen together on The paintings in Ina Garten’s kitchen.
Postcard from Provence
A painting a day since 2005
Postcard from Provence began in February 2005, after broadband arrived in Julian’s part of rural Provence and made it possible to share a regular studio practice directly with people far beyond the studio.
The first emails went to friends and family. A short piece in The New York Times in 2006 brought a much larger audience; Julian and Ruth suddenly found themselves selling everything available in a matter of hours. When several people wanted the same new painting, the auction was created to give everyone a clear opportunity to bid while leaving Julian more time to paint.
Over more than twenty years, the project has become a diary of seasons, weather, work and family life. Its complete archive keeps the experiments and awkward reproductions as well as the successes: a record of practice rather than a retrospective selection.
“I’ve made many friends, met not a few of you in person and remain deeply appreciative of the community that has grown around Postcard from Provence.”
Selected coverage
Press and reviews
- The New York Times, February 2006
- USA Today, August 2006
- The Times, June 2007
- The Sunday Telegraph, July 2007
- The Guardian, October 2008
“Beautiful and evocative… documenting the changing seasons of southeastern France.”
The Times
Get in touch
Contact Julian
Questions about a painting, the auction, workshops, press or Postcard from Provence are welcome.